UFC Commentator Calls Ronda Rousey’s Potential Return ‘Irresponsible’ and ‘Bad for the Sport’

Recent speculation has surfaced regarding a potential UFC comeback for Ronda Rousey. This followed an Instagram video where Rousey was seen training and expressed a rediscovered passion for MMA.

The pioneering UFC women`s bantamweight champion last fought in December 2016. Although she transitioned to become a significant WWE star afterward, the prospect of her returning to the Octagon often seemed unlikely.

Following UFC President Dana White`s comments on a possible Rousey return, a UFC commentator raised doubts about the very notion of her competing again.

Din Thomas: Ronda Rousey Fight Would Be `Irresponsible` Given Her Health History

With nine years passed since her last fight, concerns have been voiced about Ronda Rousey`s potential performance in the contemporary UFC landscape. Her illustrious undefeated 12-0 career concluded with consecutive knockout defeats at UFC 193 and UFC 207.

UFC commentator Din Thomas, having recently debuted, argues that the discussion isn`t about Rousey`s potential skill level, but rather the ethical question of whether she should be permitted to compete at all.

In her 2024 book, `My Fight`, Rousey candidly discussed her past struggles with concussions and their suspected influence on the concluding fights of her career.

During an interview on `The Bohnfire` with MMA Junkie`s Mike Bohn, Thomas stated his belief that allowing someone to compete after publicly detailing significant prior health issues would be detrimental to the sport.

“She shouldn`t even be cleared to fight,” Thomas asserted. “It would be highly irresponsible for any fight organization to allow her to compete after hearing her accounts. It almost sounds like she might have revealed these issues hoping to avoid a return.”

He continued, “You cannot trivialise such serious health concerns. It would reflect poorly on the sport if someone vocalized these types of problems, and then was still permitted to fight. In that scenario, we must prevent her from re-entering the Octagon.”

Ronda Rousey Clarifies Her Recent Training and Future Plans

On October 11, TMZ Sports questioned Ronda Rousey about her intentions regarding a UFC return, prompted by her recent training videos.

Rousey, currently promoting her new graphic novel `Expecting the Unexpected`, reiterated sentiments similar to Dana White`s, emphasizing her desire to simply enjoy training again.

“I`m heading to the gym now,” Rousey stated, explaining, “I`ve just had a baby, and I`m focused on reclaiming my body identity. I`m genuinely enjoying being back in the gym, feeling much better and healthier. It`s about training for the sheer love of it, something I felt was missing previously.”

When asked about a potential fight at the White House in 2026, Rousey did not respond before departing.